The Treaty of Paris, 1783

4m 20s

On September 3, 1783, Franklin and the other peace commissioners signed the Treaty of Paris. The American Revolutionary War was over, and Britain officially recognized the independent United States of America and its claims to a third of the North American continent. For others who were not party to the peace talks, especially Native Americans, the treaty was devastating.

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Corporate funding for BENJAMIN FRANKLIN was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by David M. Rubenstein. Major funding was also provided by The Pew Charitable Trusts, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine; University of Pennsylvania; Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; Kissick Family Foundation; Deborah and Jon Dawson; Diane and Hal Brierley; McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Cappy and Janie McGarr; Lavender Butterfly Fund; and Susan and Charles Shanor Charitable Trust.

Watch • 1:54:59

Benjamin Franklin

“An American” (1775-1790)

Benjamin Franklin helps craft the Declaration of Independence and wins French support.

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Benjamin Franklin

“Join or Die” (1706-1774)

After success as a Philadelphia printer Benjamin Franklin earns worldwide fame in science.

Episode: S1 E1 | 1:55:26

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